Indian Sailor Killed in Strike Near Oman Coast
An Indian sailor died after his vessel was struck by a projectile near the Omani coast. The incident highlights rising maritime risks in the region.
A young Indian seafarer has lost his life following an aerial attack on a cargo vessel navigating near the Omani coast. The incident, which occurred on the evening of November 2, 2026, involved the MSV Al Jusufi, an Indian-flagged vessel that was struck by what is believed to be a drone or a missile.
The Attack on MSV Al Jusufi
The vessel was navigating near Limah, Oman, in close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, when it was hit by an unidentified explosive projectile. The impact occurred on the port side of the ship, specifically near the engine room.
The MSV Al Jusufi had departed from Hamriyah port in the UAE on October 31, carrying 14 Indian crew members. The ship was transporting approximately 950 metric tonnes of dates, which were bound for Porbandar. Following the strike, the vessel caught fire and subsequently sank. The ship, valued at roughly Rs 1 crore, was reportedly uninsured.
Tragedy for a Young Seafarer
Among those on board was Nahim Ajij Gandhar, a young seafarer from the Salaya area in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat. Gandhar was steering the vessel at the time of the attack and sustained severe injuries to his shoulder and left leg.
While the Omani Coast Guard managed to rescue 13 survivors after the crew abandoned the burning ship, Gandhar did not survive. He passed away at approximately 6:00 pm IST while being transferred to an ambulance.
For his family, the loss is a profound tragedy. His cousin, Irfan, noted that this event mirrors a previous loss for the family, as Nahim's father, Ajijbhai, also died at sea during a cyclone approximately 20 to 21 years ago. Nahim was the youngest of five siblings.
Government Response and Repatriation
Indian Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his sorrow regarding the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack on commercial shipping and is currently coordinating with Omani authorities to arrange for the repatriation of the survivors and the deceased.
Due to procedural delays in the repatriation process, the family has authorized the burial of Nahim Ajij Gandhar in Oman.
Regional Context of Maritime Fatalities
This incident is identified as the 15th death of an Indian seafarer since the escalation of the West Asia conflict began in February 2026. This brings the total number of reported Indian fatalities in the region to 22, which includes:
- 14 seafarers
- Three deaths in Saudi Arabia
- Other regional fatalities